Clearlake woman arrested, allegedly drove drunk with son after fighting boy's father

CLEARLAKE -- A Clearlake woman was arrested on child endangerment and domestic violence charges after authorities allege she drove drunk with her young son in the car following a fight with the boy's father Saturday night.

Sandra Lee Gonsalves remained in custody at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility Monday morning.

Clearlake Police were dispatched to Meadowbrook Drive about 10:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of a drunken woman trying to leave a home with her 5-year-old son in the vehicle, Sgt. Nick Bennett stated.

As officers neared the residence, they saw a speeding vehicle leave the scene, Bennett stated.

They caught up to the vehicle several blocks later and determined the driver was intoxicated with the 5-year-old inside, the sergeant added. Gonsalves, 42, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment.

After further investigation, officers found Gonsalves was involved in an altercation with the boy's father earlier that evening, Bennett stated. The man showed visible signs of abuse, leading to an additional charge of domestic violence against Gonsalves, the sergeant added.

Bennett alleged the man, Gonsalves' ex-boyfriend, had a warrant out for his arrest, so he was also taken into custody. The man's name was not released because Clearlake Police believe he was the victim of domestic violence.

The child was released to relatives' custody after both parents were arrested, Bennett stated.